Augustana University
Augustana University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Augustana University at a Glance
Augustana University is a private Lutheran university in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States. The university identifies 1860 as the year of its founding. It derives its name from the Confessio Augustana, or Augsburg Confession, a foundational document of Lutheranism. Until September 2015, the university was known as Augustana College.
1860
166 years old
—
$200+ million (2022)
2,390
2,003 undergrad · 387 grad
134
100 acres
Identity
Is Augustana University Worth It?
Augustana University offers moderate value at $23,894/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $59,217, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 74% graduation rate means roughly 26% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Augustana University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #19 of 134 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #3 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #4 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #5 | University of Mary | 58 | $17,770 | $60,909 |
| #6 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #19 | Augustana University | 46 | $23,894 | $59,217 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Augustana University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Augustana University
The highest-earning program at Augustana University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $54,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $25,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Augustana University earns $54,900, while a Biology, General graduate earns $25,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $26,859 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,894/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $54,900 | $54,900 | $26,859 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,200 | $39,200 | $24,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $35,300 | $35,300 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $35,000 | $35,000 | $21,789 |
| Biology, General | $25,400 | $25,400 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in SD
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Student Body
- 1,965 students
- Admission Rate
- 68%
- Graduation Rate
- 74%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,894
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,217
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000